Joe Orton

Joe Orton (January 1, 1933, Leicester, England - August 9, 1967, Islington, London) was a satirical modern playwright. In a short but brilliant career from 1964 until his death he shocked, outraged and amused audiences with his scandalous black comedies. Ortonesque became a recognized term for "outrageously macabre".

Orton's violent death

In August 1967, Halliwell bludgeoned Orton to death with nine hammer-blows to the head and then committed suicide with an overdose of Nembutal tablets. Halliwell, who had supported and loved Orton, felt increasingly threatened and isolated by Orton's success and had come to rely on anti-depressants and barbiturates.

Related Topics:
1967 - Suicide - Overdose - Nembutal - Anti-depressants - Barbiturates

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